3 Bronx families file abuse suit against group home

Three families have filed a lawsuit alleging abuse and neglect at a state-run group home in Mott Haven.

The families claim staff members allegedly punched, kicked and spit on residents with disabilities at the Union Avenue IRA. News 12 has obtained pictures of some of the bruises family members say residents suffered at the home.

They also allege state authorities knew about the abuse and did nothing about it for weeks.

The case says employees at the facility even referred to the facility as the "Bronx Zoo," and denied residents food and botched their medical care.

The lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages, was filed against the home Monday in Manhattan.

The defendants are six staff members, additional unnamed staff, eight supervisors and officials at the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

A spokesperson for the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities says the office immediately placed the accused employees on administrative leave and is taking disciplinary action against those found responsible. The spokesperson also said the office is implementing a comprehensive program review to ensure proper oversight and retraining of staff on site.